SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Andy Farrell reminds me of Jack Charlton

I have kept a close eye on Andy Farrell ever since I tried to sign him from rugby league. The job he has done with Ireland has been phenomenal and his team’s series victory in New Zealand and rise to No 1 in the world is the culmination of that. Farrell has the credentials to coach England next.

When I was in charge of England, I went to watch Wigan in the 2000 Super League final at Old Trafford. 

The plan was to see Jason Robinson and meet him once again. Jason moved across to union and helped England win the World Cup in 2003, but that day in Manchester I ended up just watching Farrell because he was that good.

I chased Farrell hard. I wanted him to switch codes and we had a few phone calls, but he said it wasn’t the right time. He ended up coming to union and playing in the 2007 World Cup, but it was too late for me by then. What impressed me about Farrell as a player was just how tough he was. His son Owen is cut from the same cloth.

Farrell has coached Ireland exceptionally. He got a bit of flak from Irish media early on but has ridden that out impressively with faith in his ability.

A sign of a good head coach is not being afraid to appoint more high-profile figures than you to your staff.

Many coaches would feel threatened by that. But Farrell’s brave decision to appoint Paul O’Connell as an assistant has worked wonders.

In coaching I talk about the window and the mirror. When things are going well, you’re winning games and everyone is praising you, it’s time to look out the window and give credit to everyone else. That can be the players, the board, the supporters — whatever. When you’re losing and it’s all going wrong, a coach needs to look in the mirror.

At that point you can blame no one but yourself and must